Games Workshop Clarifies Space Marines Remain Male, Adeptus Custodes Get Female Options

Games Workshop has issued a clear distinction between two of the Imperium’s superhuman forces: the Adeptus Astartes remain an all-male institution under established lore, while the Adeptus Custodes will see new model options that include female heads. The clarification settles heated debate in the community about canon, representation, and what the new Custodes previews actually mean for hobbyists and players.

The company communicated the point via Warhammer Community on January 17, 2026, explaining that Space Marines are created through the specific and horrific processes described in canon and remain male in-universe. By contrast, Custodes are the Emperor’s personal bodyguard and are the product of a distinct creation process; Games Workshop confirmed upcoming Custodes models will include female head options. The firm emphasized that these are cosmetic options and do not carry gameplay differences.

That last detail matters for tournament players and collectors alike. New head sprues or alternate sculpts for Custodes will not change unit profiles, wound charts, or point costs. Painting, conversion, and display choices are therefore a matter of hobby expression rather than rules strategy. Players who were watching previews with an eye toward competitive implications can treat the new parts as aesthetic customization rather than a shift in army capabilities.

Context matters here. The clarification accompanied Warhammer Preview coverage that showcased refreshed Custodes sculpts and accessories, prompting questions about how those sculpts fit into broader narrative continuity. By reiterating that Custodes are not Space Marines, Games Workshop drew a firm line between the two factions’ origins and roles on the tabletop and in the setting. That helps collectors, codex writers, and narrative players decide how to kitbash or narratively integrate new models into existing forces.

For the hobby community this is both reassurance and permission. Reassurance, because established lore about the Adeptus Astartes remains intact; permission, because Custodes fans now have official leave to model and paint female-identifying warriors without expecting a rules overhaul. The clarification also reduces the likelihood of confusion at painting contests and in lore discussions where model appearance and canonical designation intersect.

What comes next is practical: expect new Custodes boxings and component previews to hit Warhammer Preview and retail channels, and look for sprue breakdowns from unboxers that confirm exactly which head options are included. For painters and converters, this opens new avenues for dioramas and displays that highlight diversity in a force traditionally presented as a small, elite cadre. For competitive players, nothing changes at the gaming table beyond more options for personalized armies.